Apparatus and method for forming ribs on a belt/belt sleeve

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve (30). The apparatus has first and second supports (62,64) on which the belt/belt sleeve can be mounted for movement in an endless path. First structure (114) is provided on at least one of the first and second supports (62,64) for reinforcing a belt/belt sleeve (30), mounted on the first and second supports (62,64) , against movement and deformation of the belt/belt sleeve (30) relative to the at least one of the first and second supports (62,64) transversely to the endless path as the belt/belt sleeve (30) moves in the endless path.

Description: Background of the Invention Field of the Invention This invention relates to power transmission belts/belt sleeves and, more particularly, to a method of forming at least one of a rib and groove on one or both of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces and, in the latter case, for maintaining precise lateral alignment between the fibs and grooves on the inside and outside surfaces of the belt/belt sleeve. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for carrying out the above method, as per the preamble of claim 1. An example of such an apparatus is disclosed by EP 533 505 A. Background Art In Examined Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-17552, one known method of manufacturing a V-ribbed belt is disclosed. An outer canvas layer, an outer rubber layer, a tension resistant layer, and an inner rubber layer are sequentially laminated, one against the other, around a mandrel to define a belt sleeve. The sleeve is then vulcanized. A grinding wheel, having alternating projections and recesses that are complementary to a desired rib and groove configuration on the belt sleeve, is pressed against the exposed inner rubber layer on the mandrel to form alternating ribs and grooves on the sleeve. In another known method, which has been recently practiced, a belt sleeve is trained around spaced supports. One of the supports is driven to advance the belt sleeve in an endless path. The belt sleeve is driven in an inside out orientation to expose the inside belt layer. A grinding wheel with diamond abrasive on the peripheral surface thereof is pressed against the moving belt sleeve to define the alternating ribs and grooves on the belt sleeve. It is also known to construct a "double-rib" belt having laterally spaced, longitudinally extending driving/driven ribs on both the inside and outside surfaces of the belt. In one conventional method for manufacturing a double-rib belt, shown in EP0533505, a belt sleeve is trained around spaced supports. One of the supports has an element which is driven to advance the belt sleeve in an endless path. A rotary grinding wheel, as described above, is pressed against one of the inside and outside surfaces of the belt sleeve to define alternating ribs and grooves thereon. The belt sleeve is then removed from the supports, turned inside out and re-mounted on the supports. Using the same grinding wheel, the other of the inside and outside surfaces of the belt sleeve is engaged to form alternating ribs and grooves matching those on the first formed surface. To avoid "mis-pitch", it is important to maintain the lateral alignment of the ribs and grooves on the inside and outside surfaces of the belt sleeve. To maintain a desired lateral alignment between the belt sleeve and grinding wheel, it is known to use a guide roll to abut the moving belt sleeve between the supports. Alternatively, the support with the driven element can be slightly tilted so that the belt sleeve thereon tends consistently towards a position wherein it is aligned as desired with the grinding wheel. Problems nonetheless persist with the above system. One of these problems is attributable to the loss of lateral rigidity and rigidity between the inside and outside of the belt by reason of the initial formation of one of the inside and outside sleeve surfaces with the grinding wheel. A prior art system as described above is shown in Fig. 6 herein. A belt sleeve 10 is trained around a rotatable support 12 and at least one other rotatable support (not shown) spaced from the support 12. The belt sleeve 10 has an inside surface 14 and an outside surface 16. Laterally spaced ribs 18 are defined on the inside surface by a rotary cutting/grinding element 20, in the form of a rotary/cylindrical drum. The cutting/grinding element 20 has projections 22 and recesses 24, alternating along the width of the cutting/grinding element 20 and complementary to the ribs 18 and grooves 26 between adjacent ribs 18. Initially, the outside belt sleeve surface 16 is placed against the peripheral surface 28 of the support 12, whereupon the cutting/grinding element 20 is pressed thereagainst to form the ribs 18 on the inner surface 14. The belt sleeve 10 is then removed from the supports 12, turned inside out, and replaced on the supports 12 so that the formed surface 14 abuts to the support surface 28. The cutting/grinding element 20 is then pressed against the outside surface 16 of the belt sleeve 10 to define ribs 18' and grooves 26' therebetween. It is desirable to have the pitch of the ribs 18, 18' and grooves 26, 26' the same on the inside and outside of the belt sleeve 10. However, the formation of the ribs 18 in the first step thins the belt and reduces its lateral rigidity as well as its resistance to a thrusting force from the cutting/grinding element 20 in a direction between the inside and outside surfaces thereof. As the cutting/grinding element 20 is advanced against the thinned belt sleeve 10, the belt sleeve 10 may deform, resulting in a discrepancy in the rib pitch on the inside and outside of the belt sleeve 10. The effect of this is shown in Fig. 6, wherein there is a lateral discrepancy D between the alignment of the grooves 26, 26' on the inside and outside of the belt sleeve 10. With a double-rib belt, this discrepancy, identified as "mis-pitch", may result in early crack generation in a belt at the misaligned recesses 26, 26'. This "mis-pitch" condition may also cause the belt to jump out of a cooperating pulley. Summary of the Invention It is one objective of the present invention to minimize the discrepancy between the lateral alignment of ribs and grooves on the opposite sides of a double-rib belt. An accurately formed double-rib belt contributes to smooth system operation. Further, the belt life is lengthened over a corresponding belt with a "mis-pitch" condition. According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to the features of claim 1. The invention may contemplate that a stucture for reinforcing the belt/belt sleeve against tranverse movement and deformtion may be provided on each of the first and second supports. The at least one of the first and second supports may include a first shaft. The first structure may include a cartridge, with there being structure for mounting the cartridge to the first shaft so that the cartridge rotates about a first axis as a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports moves in the endless path. The structure for mounting the cartridge may include a structure coperating beteween the first shaft and cartridge for mounting the cartridge for movement relative to the shaft along the first axis. The cartridge can be removable altogether to allow operation of the apparatus without the cartridge or substitution therefor of a cartridge having different characteristics to produce a different belt construction. The rotating cutting/grinding element may be in the form of a cylindrical drum having a rotational axis and a peripheral surface, with there being at least one projecting cutting/grinding part and at least one recessed cutting/grinding part on the peripheral surface of the cutting/grinding element, with the parts spaced axially with respect to the rotational axis of the cutting/grinding element. At least one of the first support, the second support, and the first structure may be rotatable about one axis and the rotational axis of the cylindrical drum is parallel to the one axis and a) the at least one of the first support, second support, and the first structure and b) the cylindrical drum rotate in the same direction with the cylindrical drum operating and the belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports moving in the endless path. The cylindrical drum may also rotate oppositely to the direction of movement of the belt/belt sleeve. In one form, the rotary cutting/grinding element is operated at a speed of 400 to 2000 rpm. The invention may contemplate a structure for driving at least one of the first support, the second support, and the first structure to cause movement of a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports in the endless path. Preferably, the cartridge is driven on the apparatus. The invention may contemplate the provision of structure for drawing material removed from the belt/belt sleeve by the cutting/grinding element, polishing powder, and any other discrete material adhered to the belt/belt sleeve, away from a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports and moving in the endless path. The drawing structure may include a source of vacuum. The invention may contemplate the provision of structure for engaging a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports for dislodging discrete material adhered to the a belt/belt sleeve. This structure may be in the form of a rotary element, such as a brush, which may be operated at speeds of 100 to 800 rpm and pressed against the moving belt/belt sleeve. The brush may be pressed against the belt/belt sleeve with a pressure of 2-6 kg/cm. The rotary brush has filaments that may be made from synthetic fiber or metallic wire. The invention may also contemplate the above structure in combination with a belt/belt sleeve having an inside surface, an outside surface, and laterally oppositely facing side surfaces. With the belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports in an operative position, one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces is exposed to be formed. In another form, the invention contemplates a method of forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve having the features of claim 19. The step of using the at least one of a rib and groove to reinforce the belt/belt sleeve may involve the steps of providing a removable cartridge on the one of the first and second supports, which cartridge has at least one of a projection and recess that is complementary to the at least one of a rib and groove on the belt/belt sleeve, and meshing the at least one of a rib and groove on the belt/belt sleeve with the at least one of a projection and recess on the cartridge. The cartridge may be adjusted relative to the one of the first and second supports to align the belt/belt sleeve in a desired position relative to the cylindrical cutting/grinding element. The belt/belt sleeve may be placed under a predetermined tension before forming the at least one of a rib and groove on each of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces. The belt/belt sleeve may be advanced continuously as the at least one of a rib and groove is formed on each of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces. The step of forming the at least one of a rib and groove on the one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces may involve the step of using the rotating cylindrical cutting/grinding element to form the at least one of a rib and groove on the one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces. The method may further include the step of continuously brushing at least one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces as the at least one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces is formed to thereby dislodge discrete material adhering to the belt/belt sleeve. The method may further include the step of providing a source of suction to draw loose and dislodged material away from the belt/belt sleeve. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of an exemplary belt sleeve from which individual belts can be formed according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a belt sleeve supported operatively on the apparatus; Fig. 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of one support for the belt sleeve on the apparatus of Fig. 2 in relation to a cutting/grinding element for the belt sleeve; Fig. 4 is a view as in Fig. 3 with a belt sleeve, having one side thereof formed, in relation to a cutting/grinding element for cutting/forming the other side thereof; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a double-rib belt made according to the present invention and using the inventive apparatus; and Fig. 6 is a view as in Fig. 4 showing a conventional support and cutting/grinding element. Detailed Description of the Drawings In Fig. 1, a belt sleeve is shown at 30. The belt sleeve 30 represents one suitable construction of a belt sleeve from which double-rib belts (two shown joined at 32 in Fig. 5), can be formed. A limitless number of different arrangements of components could be used to form the belt sleeve 30 in accordance with the present invention. The belt sleeve 30 is defined by sequentially building up components on the peripheral surface 34 of a forming drum/mandrel 36. A bottom rubber layer 38 is initially placed against the drum 36. The rubber layer 38 contains cut fibers 40 of aramid, polyester, nylon, cotton, etc. The fibers 40 have a length of 1-10 mm and are present in an amount of 1 to 15 vol. percent. The fibers 40 are oriented so that the length thereof aligns with the width of the belt sleeve 30. A cushion rubber layer 42 is placed over the bottom rubber layer 38. Longitudinally extending, load carrying cords 44 are embedded in the cushion rubber layer 42. The cords 44 are in a rope form and are wound in a spiral pattern around the drum 36. A top rubber layer 46 is placed over the cushion rubber layer 42. The top rubber layer 46 preferably has the same composition and thickness as the bottom rubber layer 38. The load carrying cords 44 are preferably located at a position midway between the inside belt sleeve surface 50, defined by the bottom rubber layer 38, and the outside surface 52 defined by the top rubber layer 46. The various layers 38, 42, 46 are laminated together and the entire belt sleeve 30 vulcanized before formation thereof takes place. Individual belts 54 can then be cut from the belt sleeve 30. As seen in Fig. 5, the belt sleeve 30 is formed to define laterally spaced inner ribs 56, with V-shaped grooves 58 therebetween, and laterally spaced outer ribs 56', with V-shaped grooves 58' therebetween. Ideally, the spacing/pitch (P) between the center lines of adjacent inner ribs 56 is equal to the pitch P' for the corresponding outer ribs 56'. Similarly, the spacing/pitch (P1) for the inner grooves 58 is ideally the same as the pitch P1' for the corresponding outer grooves 58'. One of the principal objectives of the present invention is to match the pitches P, P' and P1, P1' and to laterally align the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on the inside and outside of the belt sleeve 30. Since either individual belts or a belt sleeve, from which a number of individual belts are cut, can be formed using the inventive concept, the description below will reference a "belt/belt sleeve" as being formed according to the invention. The inventive apparatus for forming the belt/belt sleeve is shown at 60 in Figs. 2-4. The belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 is trained around spaced first and second supports 62, 64 for movement in an endless path. At least one of the first and second supports 62, 64 is mounted to be movable towards the other of the first and second supports 62, 64 to facilitate mounting of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54, and to permit setting of a desired tension thereon prior to formation. One or both of the supports 62, 64 can be driven to effect advancement of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54. In Fig. 2, a drive means is shown schematically at 66 to effect rotation of the support 62 about an axis 68. The driving speed for the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 can vary over a wide range. With the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 mounted on the supports 62, 64, the outer surface 52 of the rubber layer 46 exposed to be cut/ground by a cutting/grinding element 70, that is part of a grinding assembly at 72. The cutting/grinding element 70 can be pressed against the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 at the first, driven support 62 or, alternatively, could be pressed against the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 at the driven support 64, in the event that only a single one of the supports 62, 64 is driven. The cutting/grinding element 70 is in the form of a cylindrical drum that is rotatable about an axis 74 that is parallel to the rotational axis 68 for the support 62 and the rotational axis 76 for the support 64. The cuffing/grinding element 70 has a peripheral surface 78 with alternating cutting parts in the form of projections 80 and recesses 82, which are complementary to the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54. The cuffing/grinding element 70 can be configured to form from 3 to 100 laterally spaced ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58'. The cutting/grinding element 70 can be rotated in the same direction or oppositely to the direction of rotation of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 on the supports 62, 64. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the cutting/grinding element 70 rotates in the direction of the arrow 84, i.e. clockwise, and the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 rotates oppositely, in the direction of the arrow 86, i.e. counterclockwise. The cutting/grinding element 70 is preferably operated in the range of 400 to 2000 rpm. One aspect of the invention is the provision of means at 88 for dislodging discrete foreign particles on the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54, such as those removed by the cutting/grinding element 70 as the forming step progresses. Additionally, polishing powder on the cutting/grinding element 70 tends to adhere to the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54. Polishing powder that is released from the cutting/grinding element 70 and not adhered to the belt/bell sleeve 30, 54 is sucked into a duct 89, formed around the cutting/grinding element 70, and is delivered to an appropriate disposal point away from the grinding assembly 72. The means at 88 includes a rotary brush 90 to dislodge adhered polishing powder and ground belt/belt sleeve particles adhering to the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54. The brush 90 has a rotational axis 92 that is parallel to the axes 68, 76 on the supports 62, 64. The brush 90 preferably rotates in the direction of the arrow 93, i.e. counterclockwise and opposite to the direction of advancement of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 on the supports 62, 64. The brush 90 continuously contacts the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 during the forming process. The brush 90 is preferably rotated at a speed of 100 to 800 rpm and is pressed against the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 with a pressure in a range of 2 to 6 kg/cm (linear pressure). To keep the pressure of the brush 90 constant as the belt/belt sleeve forming operation proceeds, the brush 90 is mounted by a means 94 for movement progressively towards the moving belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 as it is formed by the cutting/grinding element 70. The brush 90 has a central shaft 96 with radially projecting filaments 98. The filaments 98 may be a synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester, or metallic wire, such as brass, or the like. Once the brush 90 breaks loose adhered particles on the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54, the particles are drawn by vacuum away from the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 and delivered to a disposal location 100. The means 88 includes a vacuum unit 102 that develops suction within a shroud 104 defining an internal space 106 in which the brush 90 is partially contained. A suction developing means 108 evacuates the end 109 of a conduit 110 adjacent to the brush 90. The discharged particles move through the conduit 110 and are delivered to the disposal location 100. Additional suction conduits 110 can be employed if desired. The support 62 has a central shaft 112 to which a cylindrical cartridge 114 is mounted. The cartridge 114 has a peripheral surface 116 which has at least one, and preferably a plurality of, annular projections 118 and recesses 120 alternating along the axial extent of the cartridge 114 and complementary to the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54. The cartridge has a cylindrical body 122 which surrounds the shaft 112 and a flat base 124 which receives a set screw 126 and locking bolts 128, 130. Through the above arrangement, the cartridge 114 can be adjusted to align the centers of the recesses 120 on the cartridge with the recesses 82 in the cutting/grinding element 70. This similarly aligns the apexes 132 of the projections 118 on the cartridge 114 with the apexes 134 of the projections 80 on the cutting/grinding element 70. The set screw 126 can be adjusted so that it abuts to the free end 136 of the shaft 112 with the cartridge 114 in the desired location. The bolts 128, 130 can then be tightened to maintain this position. The cartridge 114 is preferably made of a synthetic resin or metal. Several different cartridges 114, having different shapes, or spacing of projections 118 and recesses 120, can be kept on hand to allow interchange depending upon the type of belt that is to be formed. The cartridge 114 can be conveniently removed by loosening and removing the locking bolts 128, 130. Initially, one of the inside and outside surfaces 50, 52 is formed using the cutting/grinding element 70. The cutting/grinding element 70 is then backed away to allow removal of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54. The belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 is then turned inside out and re-mounted on the supports 62, 64. The already formed ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on the one surface of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 are meshed with the recesses 120 and projections 118 on the cartridge 114. The projections 118 give lateral rigidity to the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 and prevent lateral shifting thereof. The belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 can then be driven and the cutting/grinding element 70 pressed thereagainst to form the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on the other of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces 50, 52. The belt/belt sleeve 30, 54 is pretensioned before forming each of the inside and outside surfaces. The means 88 is operated during the subsequent forming step to remove the polishing powder and dislodge other loose particles on the belt/belt sleeve. The belt 54, cut from the belt sleeve 30, has matched pitches for the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on opposite sides of the belt 54. The previously discussed problem of lateral discrepancy is minimized or altogether eliminated. It should be understood that it is not necessary to mesh all of the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' with the projections 118 and recesses 120 on the cartridge 114. For example, this meshing may be limited to one or more projections 118 and recesses 120 at the ends of the cartridge 114. In that case, the center portion of the cartridge 114 can be made as a flat, recessed zone to abut to one of the inside and outside belt surfaces 50, 52. Once the belt sleeve 30 is formed, it can be cut to provide individual double-rib belts 54 of appropriate width. Three ribs 56, 56' are shown for each belt 54. A double-rib belt 54 made according to the present invention was tested to determine the discrepancy (D) of the pitch of the grooves 58, 58' on the inside and outside of a double-ribbed belt. The results are described below. The belt sleeve 30 consisted of a bottom rubber layer 38 made of chloroprene rubber and having a thickness of 3.35 mm. Nylon fibers 40 cut to a 6 mm length, were dispersed in the rubber at 8 vol. percent. Aramid fibers 40, cut to a 3 mm length, were dispersed in the rubber at 3 vol. percent. All of the fibers 40 were oriented in the widthwise direction of the belt sleeve 30. A cushion rubber layer 42 was likewise made of chloroprene rubber. The load carrying cords 44 were made from a polyester fiber rope. The top rubber layer 48 was made with the same thickness, with the same composition, and with the same fiber volume and type as the bottom rubber layer 38. The belt sleeve 30, as described above, was mounted on the supports 62, 64 and pre-tensioned. The cartridge 114 was removed before mounting so that the belt sleeve 30 was supported directly on the flat outer surface 137 of the shaft 112. The cutting/grinding element 70, with diamond abrasive on the peripheral surface 78 thereof, was rotated oppositely to the direction of belt sleeve advance at a speed of 1,800 rpm and pressed against the belt sleeve 30 to define the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on one surface. Once the belt sleeve 30 was removed from the support 62, 62, it was turned inside out. The cylindrical cartridge 114 was then placed on the shaft 112. The cartridge 114 was adjusted and the belt sleeve 30 remounted on the supports 62, 64 to mesh the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' with the projections 118 and recesses 120 on the cartridge 114. The cutting/grinding element 70 was then pressed against the belt sleeve 32 to define the ribs 56, 56' and grooves 58, 58' on the other of the inside and outside surfaces 50, 52 of the belt sleeve 30. The formed belt sleeve 30 was then removed from the supports 62, 64 and trained around another set of supports and cut to obtain double-rib belts, each having three ribs. The average for six measured pitches on the grooves 58, 58' on one face was 3.57 mm, while the same average on the other side was 3.57 mm. Thus the discrepancy (D) for the pitch was 0.1 mm. This small discrepancy (D) is attributable to the lateral stability of the belt/belt sleeve 30, 54, which does not significantly deform under the thrust induced by the cutting/grinding element 70. For comparison purposes, a double-rib belt, made in the same manner on the same type of apparatus, without the cartridge 114, had an average pitch of the grooves 58, 58' for six pitches as 3.58 mm on one side and 3.57 mm on the other side. The discrepancy (D) of pitch was more than 0.8 mm. To test the above belts in operation, each belt was mounted on a drive pulley having a diameter of 140 mm, using a tensioning pulley having a diameter of 60 mm under a tension of 50 kgf/3 ribs. The span between the drive and driven pulley was 30 mm. The belts were advanced while keeping a ribbed driven pulley, with a diameter of 110 mm, in contact with the back face of the belts at two different speeds - 7.96 meters per second and 14.33 meters per second, at room temperature. The occurrence of "belt jumping" was checked. The belt made by the conventional method (with the pitch discrepancy (D) of 0.8 mm) jumped one rib at a travel speed of 14.3 meters per second. However, the belt made according to the present invention did not jump at all. The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.

Claims: An apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve (30) the belt/belt sleeve (30) having an inside surface, and outside surface and laterally oppositely facing side surfaces, at least one of the rib and groove already being formed on one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces, the apparatus comprising first and second supports (62, 64) on which the belt/belt sleeve (30) can be mounted for movement in an endless path, a rotating cutting/grinding element for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve (30) mounted on the first and second supports (62, 64) as the belt/belt sleeve (30) moves in the endless path characterised in that first lateral reinforcing means (114) is provided on at least one of the first and second supports (62, 64), comprising at least one co-operating rib or groove on at least one of the first and second supports which co-operates with the previously formed rib or groove on the belt/belt sleeve so as to reinforce the belt/belt sleeve (30) against movement and deformation of the belt/belt sleeve (30) relative to the at least one of the first and second supports (62, 64) transversely to the endless path as the belt/belt sleeve moves in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve (30) according to claim 1 wherein the at least one of the first and second supports (62,64) includes a first shaft (112) and the first means comprises a cartridge (114), with there being means (126,128,130) for mounting the cartridge (114) to the first shaft (112) so that the cartridge (114) rotates about a first axis (68) as a belt/belt sleeve (30) mounted on the first and second supports (62,64) moves in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 2 wherein the means (126,128,130) for mounting the cartridge (114) comprises means cooperating between the first shaft (112) and cartridge (114) for mounting the cartridge (114) for movement relative to the shaft (112) along the first axis (62). The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the means (126,128,130) for mounting the cartridge (114) comprises means cooperating between the first shaft (112) and cartridge (114) for removably mounting the cartridge (114) to the first shaft (112). The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 1 wherein the rotating cutting/grinding element (70) is in the form of a cylindrical drum having a rotational axis (74) and a peripheral surface (78) and there is at least one projecting cutting/grinding part (80) and at least one recessed cutting/grinding part (82) on the peripheral surface (78) of the cutting/grinding element (70) spaced from each other axially with respect to the rotational axis of the cutting/grinding element (70). The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the first support (62), the second support (64) and the first means (114) is rotatable about one axis (68,76) and the rotational axis (74) of the cylindrical drum is parallel to the one axis (68,76) and a) the at least one of the first support (62), the second support (64) and the first means (114) and b) the cylindrical drum rotate in the same direction with the cylindrical drum operating and a belt/belt sleeve (30) mounted on the first and second supports moving in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the first support (62), the second support (64) and the first means (114) is rotatable about one axis (68,76) and the rotational axis (74) of the cylindrical drum is parallel to the one axis (68,76) and a) the at least one of the first support (62), the second support (64) and the first means (114) and b) the cylindrical drum rotate in opposite directions with the cylindrical drum operating and a belt/belt sleeve (30) mounted on the first and second supports (62,64) moving in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to any preceding claim wherein the means for forming at least one of a rib and groove (70) includes means for rotating the rotary cutting/grinding element at a speed of 400 to 2000 rpm. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to any preceding claim in combination with a belt/belt sleeve (30) having an inside surface (50), an outside surface (52) and laterally oppositely facing side surfaces and with the belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports (62,64) in an operative position, one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces (50,52) is exposed to be formed. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to any preceding claim including means for driving at least one of the first support (62), the second support (64) and the first means (114) to cause movement of a belt/belt sleeve (30) mounted on the first and second supports in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt belt sleeve according to any preceding, claim including means (70) for cutting/grinding a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first (62) and second supports (64) and moving in the endless path and means (88) for drawing foreign material on a belt/belt sleeve away from a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports and moving in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 11 wherein the drawing means (88) comprises vacuum means (102). The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to any preceding claim including means (70) for cutting/grinding a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports (62,64) and moving in the endless path and means (90) for engaging a belt/belt sleeve (30) mounted on the first and second supports for dislodging foreign material adhered to a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports and moving in the endless path. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 13 wherein the means (90) for engaging a belt/belt sleeve and dislodging material comprises a rotary brush (90). The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 14 wherein the means for engaging a belt/belt sleeve and dislodging material includes means for rotating the rotary brush (90) at a speed of 100 to 800 rpm. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the means (88) for engaging a belt/belt sleeve and dislodging material includes means (94) for mounting the rotary brush to a support so that the brush applies a pressure of 2 to 6 kg/cm to a belt/belt sleeve mounted on the first and second supports. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the rotary brush (90) has filaments (98) made of at least one of synthetic fibers and metallic wire. The apparatus for forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to any preceding claim wherein there are second means (114) on the other of the first and second supports (62,64) for reinforcing a belt/belt sleeve wanted on the first and second supports against movement and deformation of the belt/belt sleeve relative to the other of the first and second supports transversely to the endless path. A method of forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve, which method includes the steps of: providing a belt/belt sleeve having an inside surface, and outside surface, and laterally oppositely facing side surfaces; providing first and second supports for the belt/belt sleeve; providing at least one rib or groove on one of the first and second supports; mounting the belt/belt sleeve on the first and second supports so that one of the inside and outside belt surfaces is exposed to be formed; forming at least one of a rib and groove on one of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces; removing the belt/belt sleeve from the first and second supports; turning the belt/belt sleeve inside out; mounting the belt/belt sleeve on the first and second supports so that the other of the inside and outside surfaces is exposed to be formed using the at least one of a rib and groove on the belt to co-operate with the at least one of a rib and groove on the first or second support to reinforce the belt/belt sleeve on one of the first and second supports so that the belt/belt sleeve is reinforced against movement and deformation relative to the one of the first and second supports laterally with respect to the belt/belt sleeve; and forming at least one of a rib and groove on the other of the inside and outside belt/belt sleeve surfaces. The method of forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 19 wherein the belt/belt sleeve has at least one of a rib and groove on the other of the inside and outside surfaces (50,52) and the step of reinforcing the belt/belt sleeve comprises the step of providing a cartridge (114) on at least one of the first and second supports (62,64), with the cartridge having at least one of a recess (120) and projection (118) that is complementary to the rib and groove on the other of the inside and outside surfaces (50,52), and meshing the at least one of the recess (120) and projection (118) on the cartridge with the one of the rib and groove on the other of the inside and outside surfaces. The method of forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 20 wherein the step of providing a cartridge comprises the step of removably mounting the cartridge in an operative position on the at least one of the first and second supports. The method of forming at least one of a rib and groove on a surface of a power transmission belt/belt sleeve according to claim 19, 20 or 21 wherein the forming step comprises the step of rotating a cutting/grinding element (70) and pressing the cutting/grinding element (70) against the one of the inside (50) and outside surfaces (52) of the belt/belt sleeve (30).

Inventors: AONO SHINJI, KAWASHIMA MASAHIKO, KITAHAMA KOJI, MIYAJIMA OSAMU, OKIYOSHI YUJI, AONO, SHINJI, KAWASHIMA, MASAHIKO, KITAHAMA, KOJI, MIYAJIMA, OSAMU, OKIYOSHI, YUJI
Applicants: MITSUBOSHI BELTING LTD, MITSUBOSHI BELTING LTD.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: B24B19
IPC codes: B24B19, B24B9, B24B5